Business form and self-laminating wristband with improved print area and single layer straps

ABSTRACT

A business form including a wristband is provided with a print area forming a badge, the badge having a length less than and a width greater than a width of either of two straps used to attach the wristband to the wrist, the badge thus having a greater print area to improve the readability of the indicia displayed therein. A business form including a wristband has a bulged rectangularly shaped print area to allow information to be printed transversely across the print area to improve readability of the indicia displayed in the print area. Thus, the bulged rectangularly shaped print area can accommodate one or both of bar codes printed thereon in ladder as well as picket fence fashion. A security seal is disclosed which comprises a small, adhesive coated patch of laminate for sealing the joinder of the wristband ends and which has points of weakness such as X&#39;s die cut therein so that it separates or destructs upon removal to provide an indication of tampering with the wristband. Also disclosed is an embodiment of the wristband form that is imprinted with identifying indicia for collecting, tracking and administering a patient&#39;s blood collection and blood product compatibility.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part to Ser. No. 10/627,135, filedon Jul. 25, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part to Ser. No.10/283,777, filed Oct. 30, 2002, currently pending, which is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/256,758, filed Sep. 27, 2002,currently pending, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are many situations where it would be convenient to have availablea way to separately identify a person, such as a health care patient,with his/her possessions or other related items with which the personneeds to be associated. As this is written, the recent events of thetragedy of Sep. 11, 2001 have provided a glaring example of one suchsituation. In that situation, it became evident that there was noconvenient way to associate people desperately in need of health carewith their belongings. Even more horrifying was the need to identifybody parts, tag them, and assemble some kind of data base that could beused to sort through the confusion and chaos created on that terribleday. Under those circumstances, and many other similar emergencycircumstances, the health care workers and the emergency workers areunder tremendous time pressure, with protective clothing such as glovesbeing used to avoid personal danger to themselves, to sort through whatis presented to them in the way of victims needing medical attention,their possessions including valuables, and a need to communicate withtheir family. The environment is usually hostile, with what may be fire,flying debris, collapsing buildings, un-breathable air, etc. which makesit quite different from a usual hospital or other controlled environmentand makes handling any “standard” form imminently more difficult.

Another aspect to the situation that must be considered is that it isnot uncommon for different care takers to handle a single victim.Generally, when a victim is first attended, he is categorized for thenature and extent of his injuries. Then, in those situations where thereis a mis-match between the number of victims and the number of medicalpersonnel, the most severely injured are attended to first and theremainder are treated as time becomes available. This is routine, and anattempt to minimize loss of life in what can be a desperate situation.Thus, it is commonly required to “triage” the victims, and then identifythem in some way that makes it immediately apparent to medical workersjust what their medical situation is. This sounds easy, but in the chaosof these situations, even with medical personnel who are well trained,there can be lost time in this process and if a good strategy is notused for this classifying, victims can be mis-identified or their statusnot readily ascertainable after classification, so that the precioustime of these “angels of mercy” can be needlessly wasted as they movefrom one victim to another.

This type of emergency situation creates needs that are unique, beyondthe needs of a form intended for use in a clean environment available inan emergency room. As mentioned, medical personnel are usually wearinggloves and in a hurry. Thus, any form that would be used must be adaptedto be easily handled with clumsy fingers. There is no time forinstruction, so the form must be virtually intuitive for use. There arecommonly fluids present, unfortunately most often blood and other bodyfluids, so the form must be protected. There needs to be a simple, fast,fool-proof way to apply the form to the victim, and his possessions,with a reliable way to link them together. There is a further need to beable to quickly collect the identifying information from the form as itis attached to a victim so he may be processed quickly and theinformation accurately collected. The identifying information commonlyneeds to be thought out in advance, and might even be pre-coded to meshwith the triage operation so that merely knowing the identifyinginformation conveys some information about victim medical status. And,there is desirably some flexibility available in use of the form toaccommodate different victim conditions.

Still another need exemplified by this tragedy is that of providinginformation to families and other loved ones. After the 9/11 event, itwas well publicized that family members and others resorted to walkingthe streets, following any rumor, visiting geographically separatedemergency medical care sites, asking for information if not findingtheir loved one. This itself caused much anxiety and pain amongst thesurvivors. While not as critical as getting information about survivorsto their families, this inability to assemble information created otherproblems including the inability to gauge the magnitude of the tragedy.A complete list of the survivors was impossible to assemble for days,even though information was individually available by then. There justwas not a convenient way to assemble this information in a common database. Some attempts were made to use the internet, but inaccuraciesabounded and the information posted there was soon being ignored, atleast partly due to the lack of confidence in that information.

To solve these and other needs in the prior art, the inventor herein haspreviously developed a business form as disclosed and claimed in one ofthe parents in several embodiments and a method incorporating the use ofthat form that have particular application to these kind of medicalemergency situations. Briefly, a first embodiment of the form comprisesa carrier sheet of paper stock, with a wristband/label assembly die cutthereinto for separation from the carrier sheet. The paper stock ispreferably pre-printed with identifying indicia, color coded and coveredtop and bottom with a layer of protective coating which may preferablybe a poly plastic. The wristband/label assembly may be dry adhered to abottom layer of a carrier film so that it may be readily separated fromthe carrier without retaining any adhesive. The wristband portion of theassembly may have a tab on one end and a long strap portion which, to beassembled, is wrapped around an object such as a victim's wrist, loopedback through a “cinch” comprising a slot in the tab and then adhered toitself by an adhesive portion at the end of the strap portion. The tabpreferably has a plurality of individually separable labels die cutthereinto, with each of the labels and the wristband having anidentifying indicia which may preferably be a bar code. In theembodiment disclosed in one of the parent applications, the slot isinboard of the labels while in the embodiment first disclosed herein theslot is outboard of the label carrying portion of the tab. Furthermore,the embodiment first disclosed herein is narrower, more streamlined, andeliminates the medical indicia making the wristband/label form moreuniversally applicable as a simple identifier. Some of the otherembodiments first disclosed herein include the narrower, single ply,non-laminated strap portion while relying on adhesive coated tabs tosecure the wristband about the wrist.

In use, the wristband/label assembly of the parent is separated from thecarrier, carrying the tab filled with labels, and the strap portion. Thecinch slot is die cut and formed as the assembly is separated with itsfiller piece adhered to remain behind with the bottom film carriersheet. The strap portion has its end covered with a laminated bottompatch so that as it separates it carries with it a peel away coveringover its end having the adhesive. After being separated from thecarrier, the wristband/label assembly has a protective layer over bothits top and bottom for resisting fluid contamination and the tab has alabel section which may be perforated for separation from the wristband.Each of the labels are individually separable and carry the identifyingindicia. The wristband may preferably be color coded, and the forms maybe made in sets with multiple ones of each of a number of differentcolors. Alternately, color coded, perforated tabs may be provided at theend of the tab portion, such that the medical technician need onlyseparate one or more tabs, leaving as the outside tab the correct one tovisually indicate the condition of the victim. A blank tab is preferablyprovided at the very edge of the tab portion so that no one wouldmistakenly interpret the failure to separate a tab as a consciousattempt at indicating medical condition. In still another embodiment,the medical indicia may be eliminated and the strap portion streamlinedto allow for a more generic use of the form for merely indicatingidentity of the patient or other individual for other purposes thanmedical. The wristband may be readily applied by wrapping the strapportion about the person's appendage, slipping it through the “cinch”comprising the slot to tighten it about the appendage, pulling it tight,and then folding the strap portion back onto itself for attachment withthe adhesive after removing the peel away covering.

In a second embodiment as shown and described in one of the parentapplications hereto, the wristband/label assembly is pre-printed andformed in its final configuration, with a tab/label portion and a strapportion made from preferably four layers. A top, clear film layeroverlies and protects a face stock layer upon which the pre-printedinformation including bar codes and color “condition” codes are applied.A layer of adhesive then joins the face stock to a base film material,again to protect the face stock in use. In either embodiment, more thanone slot, or “cinch” point, may be provided to allow for a snug fit todifferent sized body parts. Also, more or fewer bar coded labels, ofsmaller or larger size, may be selected for use to suit a designer'spreferences or user's needs. And, as explained above, the slot may beoutboard of the label portion, thereby making the wristband easier toattach to a person, and without sacrificing integrity as the underlyingweb provides more than adequate strength for maintaining the wristbandin its intended use.

In the method of the parent invention, once a form has been applied to avictim, and the victim thus associated with an identifying indicia, andhis possessions properly tagged, software pre-loaded into a computer maythen receive as much information about the victim as is available. Itemsof information might include his associated color code (which wouldpreferably be indicative of his medical condition), his name and otherdemographic information, his statistics such as height, weight, race,etc., more detailed information as to the nature of his injuries orcondition, the location where this victim is processed, and otherappropriate information. The computer may then go on-line, or beon-line, and the data set up-linked to a web site. A plurality oftreatment centers could each be simultaneously processing victims, andtransmitting data to the web site for ready access and display to anyoneinterested in learning about a victim's condition. As a victim'scondition changes, updated information could be provided to the website, although it is considered by the inventor that the method of theparent is most effective in providing early information as fast aspossible to the most people. Updated information could be available moredirectly as a victim's family locates and goes to where treatment isbeing given. Security in the web site and data links would prevent anymischief from occurring which might compromise the integrity of the datasuch that families could rely on the information posted.

As can be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, there isunfortunately need for the parent invention given the heightened risk ofterrorism that the world now faces, and along with that arises anincreased need to facilitate not only the quick processing of victimsbut also the task of collecting and disseminating information aboutthese victims. The parent invention addresses these needs, which inactuality are long felt needs exacerbated by our changing times.Accordingly, the foregoing provides a brief description of some of theadvantages and features of the parent invention. A fuller understandingmay be attained by referring to the drawings and description of thepreferred embodiment of the parent which follow for the readersunderstanding.

The inventor has taken several of the features of the parent inventionand used it to build onto his prior work in the wristband art asexemplified by the following patents issued to the inventor herein, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,438,881; 6,067,739; 6,000,160; and others still pending. In hisinvention as disclosed and claimed in the more recently filed secondpatent application referenced above, he has incorporated the “cinch” ofthe parent into a self laminating wristband form in a unique andnon-obvious way to provide many advantages and features not heretoavailable. Although the second parent's invention is exemplified inseveral embodiments as explained in greater detail below, each of whichhas its own unique advantages and features, it represents a departurefrom the construction found in the inventors prior patents. Some of thedifferences include the use of a single, preferably narrow, strapportion extending generally from one side of the face stock region, withthe cinch comprising a slot located on either side of the face stock andeither adjacent the top or bottom portion of the laminating portion thatoverlies the face stock. With this construction, it is thought thatseveral advantages are obtained over the wristband construction of hisprior inventions. First, in this invention the inventor uses less facestock resulting in a smaller area of the form needing to beover-laminated. In other words, in the inventor's prior patentedwristbands, virtually the entire length of the wristband comprised facestock, all of which was over-laminated. In the more recent parentinvention, preferably only a “patch” of face stock is used which doesreduce the amount of space for printing but which at the same timereduces the size of the over-lamination “patch” needed. This smallerover-lamination “patch” is much easier for a nurse or other medicalprofessional to fold over and complete the assembly, and thus apply thewristband to the patient. A related advantage is that by eliminating theface stock from the “strap portion” that surrounds the patient's wrist,this strap portion may be narrower and formed from a single layer of thelamination (with no adhesive applied). This is more comfortable to thepatient for several reasons. The strap is narrower, thereby being lesslikely to bind or press into the patient's skin as he moves his wrist indoing daily living activities. The strap is also thinner as it is formedfrom only a single layer and may thus be more flexible. In thisconstruction, a thinner laminate may be used than in prior designs whichincreases the patient's comfort. Patient comfort is an importantconsideration as patient's in hospitals are generally uncomfortable tobegin with, being out of their ordinary environment, and those in needof hospital care are generally infirm, older or younger such asprenatal, and their skin may be more sensitive than normal. So, this isan important design criteria.

Still another advantage comes through incorporation of the cinch in thisdesign. The cinch preferably comprises a slot which may be located inone of several places in the wristband, but it offers several uniqueadvantages. First, if need be, the cinch may be used to more easilyapply the wristband to a patient as it gives the nurse a readyattachment fixture with which he/she is quite familiar, it being muchlike an ordinary belt worn by almost everyone, male and female. Forthose patients who may be uncooperative or thrashing about or otherwiseresistive, applying the wristband amounts to getting the strap throughthe slot and after that is achieved the rest needed to be done isrelatively simple. For those patients who need to be tightly banded, thecinch provides a ready means to tighten down the strap and keep it tightwhile the cinch and strap are adhered in place. This allows for asimpler built in adjustment in strap length than with the prior designs.The cinch may be located in one of several places in the band, and eachlocation offers its own unique advantages. If located intermediate theface stock and the strap, the face stock is converted into a “hang tag”which hangs freely from the patient's wrist after it is applied. Thisaids the nurse in finding and reading the information printed on theface stock, and also makes it easier for her to read imprinted indiciaon the face stock with a hand held bar code reader, for example, as thesurface is flat. Also, with this arrangement, a smaller strap is readilyprovided for smaller wrists such as with new-born babies. If the slot islocated outboard from the face stock, the face stock hugs the patient'swrist much more like a conventional wristband, and an extra area of foldover laminate may be used to adhere the strap in place, making for amore secure attachment. Either arrangement would be desirable dependingon the particular application, and is left to the user's choice.

As alluded to above, the strap portion is adhered in one of severalways, depending on the embodiment chosen. If the cinch is intermediatethe face stock and strap, the end of the strap has a patch of adhesivewhich is used to adhere it back onto itself after being threaded throughthe slot. With the cinch outboard of the face stock, an “extension” oflaminate is used which may carry adhesive along with a fold line throughthe slot so that after the strap is threaded through the slot theextension may be folded about the fold line and “clamp” the strap inplace with adhesive. This provides a second means for adhering the strapin place.

The face stock layer has a printable region or ply defined therein witha die cut while the lamination layer has three elements die cut in toit. The lamination layer has a strap portion, a laminating portion, anda cinch portion all die cut therein, with adhesive being applied topreferably the extreme end of the strap portion for securing the strapto itself after the wristband has been applied, adhesive applied to thelamination portion to substantially, and preferably entirely, surroundand enclose the face stock printable region, and adhesive applied to acinch portion (if located outboard of the face stock) for adhering tothe strap portion after it is passed through the cinch. Adhesive maypreferably be omitted from the portion of lamination that overlies theface stock to improve it's readability, both visually and for barcoding. In variations to this embodiment, the cinch, which is preferablya slot aligned generally perpendicular to the face stock, may be locatedin one of several places, either outboard of the face stock region orintermediate the face stock and the strap portion. When positionedoutboard of the face stock, the cinch may also be located in one of twoplaces either in an extension of the lamination adjacent a top portionor the bottom portion of the lamination portion. When positionedintermediate the face stock and strap portion, the cinch may be formedfrom a pair of slots located in both the top and bottom portion of thelamination portion. In this arrangement, adhesive is applied to join thetop and bottom lamination portions, but it does not aid in holding thestrap in position unless the nurse takes the time and is able to obtainthe cooperation of the patient to thread the strap through only one ofthe slots before folding the lamination halves together to enclose theface stock. However, this is thought to be a less desirable attachmentarrangement than first enclosing the face stock and then threading thestrap through the slot.

As an added feature, the inventor has previously developed an extenderwhich is also formed in the same two plies of material, with theextender comprising a length of laminate having a fold over or“clamshell” portion with adhesive at one end, and a patch of adhesive atits opposite end. The extender is sized preferably to be of the samewidth as the strap portion and is applied to the strap portion by use ofthe clamshell which clamps onto the strap portion and along its length,with the extender patch of adhesive serving the function of joining thestrap. With the extender, the wristband may be used with largerpatient's, conveniently, without being limited to the overall length ofthe form or carrier in which the wristband is formed.

In variations of these embodiments previously disclosed in the parentapplications, the wristband may be formed in a sheet with a plurality ofself adhering, peel off labels, all of which may be printed withidentifying indicia or information relating to the patient. Severalwristbands of different size, or the same size, may also be formed on asingle sheet, with or without labels. The extender may also be providedin any one or more of the variations, which are only limited by theperceived needs of users, and design choice.

The parent applications disclosed forms that have been modified toprovide even greater choice and advantage depending on the particularsituation for which the wristband is needed. As an example, one formshowed an arrangement where the cinch slot is outboard of the labelportion, on a tab, and has eliminated the medical indicia thereby makingthe form more streamlined and suitable for use in a wider range ofapplications. Several arrangements for the label portion have also beenshown as providing a variety of choices to suit different applicationsdepending on the number of labels needed, and all without sacrificingthe integrity of the form. As in other forms previously disclosed, barcoding or other means of identifying or numbering or segregating theforms have been shown.

With respect to the second general category of wristband forms, theinventor has provided a tab at an end adjacent the face stock area, withthe tab having a second slot surrounded by adhesive and through whichthe tail or free end portion is inserted for joining the wristband aboutthe person wearing it. After the free end is inserted, the slot ispreferably folded over about a fold line, and the free end is capturedand adhered in place. The remaining free end may then be insertedthrough the second slot and hidden beneath the face stock out of the wayand less likely to be caught on something. This arrangement allows forthe extra free end to be kept intact so that the wristband may later bere-adjusted in length by merely lifting the folded over tab andwithdrawing the free end for re-positioning. As an added feature, theface stock is preferably extended to the edge of the outboard slot tothereby cover over the adhesive closest to where the free end slidesthrough, thereby making it less likely to “hang up” on adhesive as thewristband is applied. Furthermore, as the adhesive is applied to thearea surrounding the second slot, it need not be applied as a patch onthe tip of the free end as in other embodiments disclosed in the parentapplications. Thus, as the free end is inserted through the slot, thereis no patch of adhesive to inadvertently grab a patient's skin or bodyhair again making this embodiment less likely to “hang up” on thepatient as it is applied. Instead, the adhesive is placed on a surfacefacing away from the patient.

As disclosed in the parent applications, slots have been provided oneach side of the face stock and through both of which the free end maybe inserted. In this arrangement the face stock area overlies the freeend, and the face stock area becomes less “rounded” than in otherembodiments where only a single slot is used. This aids in reading theinformation placed on the face stock, and can be important in aidingthis information should it be bar coded information. Also, with the twoslot arrangement, the same form may be applied in different ways whichenhances its versatility. This may be especially important for thoseapplications where a single form may be intended to be used on differentbody parts of a patient. One such example is the Neo-natal, IntensiveCare Unit (NICU) where wristbands are desirably applied not only to theleg but also the arm. In this application, the same wristband may beapplied to different parts of the body, the leg and arm, and dependingon size either one slot or both slots may be used to allow for patientcomfort and ready accessibility to the imprinted information. However,even with the need to accommodate differently sized arms and legs, thesame form may be used thereby minimizing inventory requirements andeliminating the waste or extra cost of using more than one sheet ofwristbands.

The inventor has continued his work and developed several newembodiments of wristband forms, which draw upon the inventor's pastdesigns and provide different arrangements and which in some instanceswill improve upon the readability of the print area so as to improvescanning and automated data input functions. One embodiment provides achange in the aspect ratio of the print area such that a laminated“badge” is created with a pair of narrower strap portions extending fromthe sides of the badge for attaching the wristband to the patient'swrist. This design may be achieved by either narrowing the width of thestrap portions or by widening the face stock area which separates fromthe form, or the imaging area, or by doing some combination thereof.With this design, the imaging area may be enlarged to allow moreinformation to be printed thereon, or to allow for an increased fontsize to enhance the readability of the information printed. With asmaller strap portion, the wristband may be more comfortable overwristbands with wider strap portions as well. By creating a “badge” forreceiving the printed information, the wearer and any one wishing toaccess the printed information may more easily find the portion of thewristband containing the information due to its different and largershape. In fact, in low level lighting, this different shape is even moreuseful for locating the information, and it is not uncommon for lowlevel lighting conditions to exist as the patient is attended during thenight. As the width is increased, a shorter length imaging area may beused and the imaging area may still receive and clearly display thepatient information of interest. This reduced length imaging area allowsthe “badge” to be more naturally oriented on the top or bottom of apatient's wrist, and more likely lie flat against the wrist to therebysubstantially reduce the curvature of the imaging area. This facilitatesvisual as well as automated reading of the indicia in the imaging areaincluding, for instance, the scanning of bar codes. This same design isalso provided in a less pronounced “badge” with a slimmer longer lengthimaging area version as well. Variations of this arrangement are alsodisclosed herein including forming the strap potions immediately to eachside of the imaging area, providing a different silhouette for thedifferent strap portions and especially at the transition from theimaging area, etc, as shown in the drawings and described below.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides enhancedreadability of the print area with improved patient comfort by formingthe imaging area or print area (typically face stock) with an enlargedportion, preferably located at one end of the usually rectangular shapedimaging or print area. “Rectangular shaped” or “rectangularly shaped” isintended to include rectangular, parallelogram, or similar shapes havingtwo pairs of opposing sides with a longer dimension along one pair thananother, but perhaps with rounded or shaped or angled corners forexample, or a print area having an asymmetrical or a symmetricalconfiguration such as a square, or other approximately rectangularshape. This “bulged” area is preferably arranged as an enlarged width atone end of the generally rectangular imaging or print area, although itcould be formed at any other location along the length thereof. In thisarrangement, the imaging area preferably has a generally “L”-shape thataccommodates the transverse printing of more information than with thesimple rectangular print area. By printing information transverselyacross the print area, the information lies along the length of the armas opposed to across the wrist and is thus more likely to lie flat. Whena bar code is used and printed on the bulged area, this flat orientationis expected to render the bar code more “readable” than if printedacross the length of the imaging area. In the art, bar codes arecommonly referred to as either “picket fence” when arranged to be readhorizontally, and “ladder” when arranged to be read vertically. With theprint or imaging area having a bulged rectangular shape, both or eitherof ladder or picket fence bar codes of a length commonly used in ahealth care application may be printed thereon and later reliably readwith relative ease. This bulged rectangular construction is alsodesigned with a bulged rectangular overlay to be self laminating and thewristband includes a cinch slot and strap for securing the wristband.

Other new embodiments include various new arrangements of the laminationlayer and strap arrangements formed in the laminating layer. Forexample, the straps may be formed on the different halves of the imagingarea over-lamination portion, instead of on the same half. Or, thestraps may be both formed on the over-laminating half of the laminatinglayer. Still another new feature is the security seal which comprises aseparate length of laminating layer which may be removed and applied tooverlie the attachment point of the main straps. It provides a secondaryseal and substantially secures the wristband, making it much moredifficult for a patient to remove the wristband. Also, the security sealhas a number of die cut X's in it so that once applied, its removal willlikely result in it being torn apart or destructed. This destructedsecurity seal is then visual evidence of a tampering with the wristbandjoinder and is an alert to a nurse that the patient has tampered withhis identifying wristband and the nurse needs to re-verify the patient'sidentity before administering any medicine, providing treatment ortaking patient parameters such as blood pressure, etc.

In another aspect of the present invention, the inventor has developed aform including a detachable, self-laminating wristband, and preferably aplurality of self-adhering labels which may be used for a variety offunctions related to assisting healthcare providers in collecting apatient's blood specimen, and matching, ordering, and tracking bloodproducts for a patient. For instance, the labels may be printed withinformation that may be used for tracking a patient's blood specimenfrom collection to testing in the laboratory, and from ordering bloodproducts from a blood bank to ensuring that the ordered blood productsare the correct products to be administered to a patient. The form mayhave labels and/or a wristband that assists healthcare providers intracking the number of units of blood given to a patient. Preferably,the wristband and self-adhering labels are provided with a uniqueidentifying bar code so that the wristband and/or form facilitateshealthcare providers in providing electronic verification of bloodproducts with a patient to minimize dangerous and wastefulmisadministration of expensive blood products.

While the principal advantages and features of the present inventionhave been explained above, a fuller understanding of the invention inall of its various embodiments may be attained by referring to thedrawings and description of the preferred embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of the first embodiment of the business formof the parent invention prior to the wristband/label assembly beingseparated from the carrier;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the wristband/label assembly after separationfrom the carrier of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view of the wristband/label assembly applied to a victim'sappendage;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the computer system used to implement the methodof collecting and displaying over the internet the victim data;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the second embodiment of the business form ofthe parent invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an expanded view of the second embodiment, detailing the fourlayers comprising the second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the first embodiment of the self laminatingwristband with an inset depicting an alternate location for the cinch,and an extender formed in an approximately envelope size sheetlet;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the first embodiment of the self laminatingwristband and extender formed in a page sized sheet with a plurality ofself adhering labels;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a plurality of selflaminating wristbands of varying lengths, and depicting an alternateconstruction for the wristband, coupled with a pair of ID cards;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a pair of wristbandsand a plurality of self adhering labels;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a pair of wristbandsof alternate construction and a plurality of self adhering labels;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a wristband/label form with the cinch slotoutboard of two, full width labels contained in the tab;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 14 exceptthat more full width labels are contained in the tab;

FIG. 16 is a top view of still another variation of the embodiment ofFIG. 14 except that in addition to a full width label, several pairs oflabels are arranged in perpendicular fashion in the tab;

FIG. 17 is a top view of yet another variation of the embodiment of FIG.14 except that a pair of perpendicularly arranged labels are containedin the tab

FIG. 18 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a wristband withoutboard cinch slots, an extender and a matrix of labels;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a pair of wristbandswith one wristband having a pair of outboard cinch slots, anotherwristband having a cinch slot on either side of the face stock, anextender for use with either, and a matrix of labels;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a page sized sheet having a pair of wristbandseach having a cinch slot on either side of the face stock;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a page sized sheet form of the presentinvention having a wristband with an over-sized imaging area and a pairof narrow straps along with a matrix of labels;

FIG. 22 is yet another embodiment of a wristband where the straps are inan offset arrangement in the lamination ply;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the form of FIG. 22 showing the arrangementof adhesive and release coatings applied to the wristband portion of theform;

FIG. 24 is a top view of another embodiment of the business form of thepresent invention where the wristband has an irregularly sized printarea with a print area tab formed adjacent one end and adjacent thecinch slot;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a wristband form of the present invention witha wristband and labels pre-printed with common identifying indicia, anda security seal formed in the lamination layer, with FIG. 25A depictingthe laminate side of the security seal with X's and surrounding coloredareas; and

FIG. 26 is a top view of a business form having a wristband with abulged rectangular print area, extender, labels and security seal, withFIG. 26A depicting the laminate side of the security seal with X's andsurrounding colored areas.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first embodiment of the business form 20 ofthe parent invention generally includes a wristband/label assembly 22die cut into a carrier 24 making an overall size of preferablyapproximately three and a half inches by seventeen inches, (3½″×17″).Generally, the business form 20 is assembled with a three webconstruction, with a poly laminated paper center web 26 sandwichedbetween a pair 28, 30 of thin film poly, transparent webs, and this isthen dry adhered to a carrier web 31. The poly coated paper web 26 isdry adhered to the carrier web 31 so that it may be separated therefromalong its die cut to remove the wristband/label assembly 22 from thecarrier 24. At an end of the form 20, an adhesive 32 is applied to thesingle end 34 of the wristband portion 36 of the wristband/labelassembly 22. A separate patch 40, preferably made of paper with arelease coating, covers the adhesive 32, with the webs die cut so that aportion of the patch 40 covering the adhesive 32 separates with thesingle wristband end 34 as it is separated from the carrier 24. A“cinch” comprising a slot 42 is formed when the wristband/label assembly22 is separated from the carrier 24 as a filler 44 remains adhered tothe bottom web 30.

The wristband/label assembly 22 of the first embodiment of the parentincludes a wristband portion 36 and a tab portion 46. The tab portion 46preferably includes a label portion 56 having a plurality of individuallabels 48, each of which along with the body of the tab portion 46 areidentified with an identifying indicia 50, preferably a bar code. Whilefive labels 48 are shown, it is apparent to those of skill in the artthat a greater or lesser number of labels could be provided in keepingwith the scope of the invention. A release layer 51 preferably underliesthe labels 48 and facilitates their removal from the tab portion 46 witha layer of adhesive being carried with each label for adhering the labelto any other medium, such as a chart, a tag attached to a bag ofbelongings such as clothes, a medicine container, etc. Preferably, thewristband portion 36 also is color coded, such as with a coloring 52along strap portion 54 of the wristband. While any convenient colorscheme as known in the art may be utilized, one such convenient schemeis to use black for deceased, red for alive and needing immediateattention for survival, yellow for alive and needing attention forrecovery, and green for alive and needing attention for non-lifethreatening injury. Other color schemes would be apparent to those ofordinary skill, and those color schemes are within the scope of thepresent invention. The tab portion 46 is separated from the labelportion 56 by a die cut, thereby allowing for separation of the labelsfrom the wristband portion, should that be desired, but being retainedunless intentionally detached. Each of the labels 48 is defined by a diecut, and has a layer of adhesive and an underlying release layer foreasy separation of each label 48 individually from the tab portion 46.Surrounding border members 58 may be peeled away from around the labels48 to make it easier for them to be removed, such as when medicalpersonnel have gloved hands or in the presence of fluids.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wristband/label assembly may be readily appliedto a victim, such as around his wrist, by separating it from thecarrier, looping the strap portion around the wrist and through thecinch or slot, pulling the strap portion tight as desired, removing thecovering over the adhesive applied at the single end of the strapportion, and then affixing the single end to the strap portion tocomplete the circle or wristband. In this manner, a victim has beencolor coded as to medical condition, identified with an identifyingindicia such as a bar code, and a set of labels have been madeimmediately available to mark any other items desired to be associatedwith the victim such as his possessions, his medical charts, medicinesbeing administered, or any other item as desired.

The second embodiment of parent is shown in FIGS. 6-8, and is verysimilar to the first embodiment except that it is not supplied as partof a sheet type construction from which it must be separated prior touse, is pre-printed, has a different arrangement for indicating medicalcondition, etc. As shown therein, the second embodiment is completelyformed and ready for use without first being separated from a carrier,as with the first embodiment. However, it also has a strap portion 72and a tab portion 74. While the strap portion may also be color coded,it is preferred that a plurality of separable tabs 76 be provided, alongwith a dummy tab 80, for separation from the tab portion 74 so that anobserver of the applied form may be assured that a conscious effort hasbeen made to indicate medical condition. Otherwise, the dummy tab 80 ispresent indicating that this feature has not be used, at least as ofyet. In addition to color coding, a bar code is also preferablyindicated on the individual tabs 76 with each tab 76 having a matchingbar code so that the victim's condition may be also scanned into thecomputer or data base at the same time as the patient's ID bar code.Further information may also be provided on the tabs 76, such asdefinitional information to instruct a medical technician as to thespecific meaning to the various categories to help ensure consistency inmarking victims despite the use of multiple and even untrainedpersonnel. This information helps to make the present form almost selfteaching as one never knows the quality or training of personnel whowill be available when a medical emergency occurs. As shown in FIG. 7,the back of the tab portion 74 may also have additional instructinginformation, or a place for recordal of vital signs or other medicalinformation such as allergies to medicine or the like. Of further note,as shown in this second embodiment is not one but two cinches 78,comprising slots. This allows the strap portion 72 to be sized moreclosely to varying dimensions and thus used with a wider variety ofappendages. Other similar features are also included such as the barcode labels 81, shown arranged in two columns between the cinch slots78.

FIG. 8 depicts the four layers used to form the second embodiment, aspreferred. The top layer is a web 80 of a clear protective filmextending across the entirety of the form, and perforated as noted toallow for the tearing off of tabs 76, 80, and with holes 82 forming thecinch 78. The second layer is comprised of a face stock 84, preferablypre-printed with information as desired with the majority of informationcontained in the form. The next layer is an adhesive layer 86,preferably a patterned layer and release coating as known in the art asshown, which allows for the removal of tabs 86 with a layer of selfadhesive for applying the bar code on ancillary items, as explained ingreater detail below. The bottom layer is a web 88 of a base filmmaterial which acts to protect the bottom of the face stock web 80. Asis noted in the Figures, a patch 89 similar to patch 40 of the firstembodiment is shown and which is used to attach the end of strap portion72 and complete the wristband about the victim's appendage. Moreparticularly, two sections of silicone 90 are shown in a side view insetin FIG. 8, with those sections of silicone lining up with the patch 89and the bar code labels 81 so that upon separation they carry with themthe layer of adhesive making them self adhering.

As shown in FIG. 5, as the victims are processed, the parent inventionalso contemplates that this information may be input to a computer 100,the bar code being read in with a bar code swiper 102 or the like forpreferably both of patient ID and medical condition, and then thisinformation may be transmitted over the internet to a server 104 forcollating and display at a web site. Multiple computers 102 could bereadily connected to the same server 104, as is known in the art, andhandle the input from a number of medical facilities at the same time.This permits this information to be made available almost immediately asvictims are processed, through the web and at remote locations,eliminating the anxiety of family members who physically search fortheir relatives or loved ones.

While the principal advantages and features of the parent invention havebeen illustrated through an explanation of its preferred embodiment,there are other aspects and variations of the parent invention as wouldbe apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, rather than barcoding, other identifying indicia could be used on the form. The formcould be used in other applications other than in emergency situationsin the field. Rather than color coding, other coding or indicators couldbe used to sort victims, or they could be sorted into other categoriesaccording to differing medical categories, or coding could be droppedfrom the form, as desired. Other construction could be used for theform, including especially the wristband portion, such as selflaminating construction and the wristband would still be protected fromdamage during its single use. Other means could be used to attach thewristband rather than looping a single end around and through a slot.Another form of a cinch could be used, or a different arrangement of thecinch. Still other variations would be apparent to those of skill in theart, and the parent invention is intended to be limited solely by thescope of the claims appended hereto, and their legal equivalents.

The invention 100 of the second parent invention is shown in FIG. 9 andis depicted therein as formed in a two layer, sheetlet sizedconstruction of about 3 inches by 11 inches. The top layer 102 ispreferably a face stock, such as bond or the like as would readilyaccept a printed image from a laser printer or other computer controlledprinter, and a bottom laminate layer 104 which underlies the face stocklayer 102 and is joined by a patterned adhesive layer including portionswhich are release coated, as will become apparent upon further reading.The invention 100 generally comprises a self laminating wristband 106having a printable region 108 of face stock defined by a die cut 110therein, and an integrally formed strap portion 112, laminating portion114, and cinch 116 similarly formed by a die cut 118 in the laminatelayer 104. A patch of face stock 120 is also die cut into the face stocklayer 102, and covers a patch of adhesive with which the strap portionis adhered as the wristband 106 is applied to a patient, as will beexplained. The length of strap portion 112 is covered by a releasecoating so that after it is removed from the sheetlet 100 it does notcarry any adhesive with it. The laminating portion 114 has a layer ofadhesive between a top portion thereof 122 and the face stock region 108to adhere it thereto. However, a bottom portion 124 of the laminatingportion 114 has a window 126 of area where no adhesive is applied sothat as the laminating portion is folded over there is no layer ofadhesive covering the printable region 108. A fold or perf line 128 ifformed between the laminating portion halves 122, 124 as an aid informing the wristband 106 after it is separated from the sheetlet 100.The cinch 116 generally comprises a slot 130 formed in an extension 131and aligned generally perpendicularly to the face stock region 108 andstrap portion 112 for easy insertion of the strap portion 112therethrough. There is also provided a fold or perf line 132 along thecentral axis of the slot 130 through the width of the extension 131, andadhesive covers the extension 131 so that the extension 131 may befolded over onto the strap portion 112 after it has been threadedthrough the slot 130 to its desired length. The extension 131 and cinch116 are shown to be adjacent the bottom half 124 of laminating portion114, which results in the adhesive layer of the extension 131 facingtowards the patient's wrist as the wristband is applied. Alternatively,the extension 131 and cinch 116 may be formed adjacent the top half 122of the laminating portion 114 as shown in the inset of FIG. 9 and withthis construction the extension adhesive faces away from the patient asthe wristband is applied. With this alternative arrangement, thewristband may lie flatter against the patient, as the other arrangementcreates a small tab which may or may not lie flat depending on how tightthe wristband is drawn. However, this is not considered significant.

In use, this wristband embodiment is first separated from the carriersheetlet by pushing down on the end of the strap and/or the die cut facestock area 108, and peeling it away, thereby separating a matrixcomprising the wristband assembly. The laminating portion 114 is thenfolded together to enclose the printed face stock region. The wristbandis next applied to the patient's wrist by wrapping the strap about thewrist, inserting it through the cinch, folding over the extension toadhere it to the strap, and then exposing the adhesive on the end of thestrap and adhering it back onto itself to secure the excess strap. Thecaregiver can choose the tightness of the wristband by threading more orless of the strap through the slot in the cinch before adhering thestrap to the extension.

Also shown on the sheetlet 100 is an extender 140 generally comprising aclamshell joinder portion 142 at one end of a length of laminate layer104 and a patch of face stock 144 covering a patch of adhesive at theother end. The extender 140 may be used to extend the effective lengthof strap portion 112 and is applied by adhering the clamshell portion142 anywhere along the length of strap portion 112 and using the patchof adhesive on the extender 140 to join the strap portion 112 to itselfas just described. The length of extender 140 is adhesive free, as thestrap portion 112, so that no adhesive is exposed to the patient's skin.

As shown in FIG. 10, the wristband 106 and extender 140 may be includedas part of a page sized sheet along with a plurality of self adheredlabels 146. As with previous inventions shown in the inventor's priorpatents, it has been found to be desirable to print identifyinginformation relating to a patient not only on a wristband but also onlabels which may then be separately peeled off as needed to label itemsdedicated for use by the patient or to identify other medical items suchas blood samples, tissue samples, etc. Thus there has found to be a needfor the present invention configured as shown in FIG. 10.

As shown in FIG. 11, a page sized form may also be provided with a mixof wristbands 106 as well as a different embodiment of wristband 160,which is preferably somewhat smaller in length than wristband 106, andwhich has a slightly different arrangement for the cinch. As showntherein, there are two wristbands 160, each of which has a printableface stock region 162 die cut from the face stock layer as withwristband 106. And, a strap portion 164, laminating portion 166 andcinch portion 168 are also die cut into the laminate layer, as withwristband 106. However, cinch portion 168 comprises a pair of slots 170die cut adjacent both of the top half 172 and bottom half 174 oflaminating portion 166, so that as the two halves 172, 174 are foldedover to laminate faces stock region 162, the slots 170 are aligned tooverlie each other and create a single opening intermediate the facestock region 162 and strap portion 164. With the cinch located in thisposition, several differences are noticeable. First, the wristband 160may conveniently circumscribe a smaller circumference so that it mayreadily fit onto a smaller wrist, such as a baby's, as it takes the facestock region 162 and laminating portion 166 out of the loop forming thewristband. Instead, the face stock region 162 and laminating portion 166form into a “hang tag” which essentially hangs from the strap portion164 after the wristband 160 is applied to a patient. Note that the strapportion 164 extends from the bottom half 174 in this embodiment insteadof from the top half 172 as in the first embodiment, thereby allowingthe strap portion 164 to wrap around and through the cinch portion 168and then back onto itself without passing over or obscuring the facestock region 162. Although this wristband 160 construction is shown asbeing adapted for smaller wrists, it may also be used with a longerstrap portion 164, or with an extender 140, and may be viewed as amatter of design choice. Also shown on the sheet are a pair of ID cards176, that are themselves self laminating, with a slot 178 for convenientattachment directly to either of the wristbands 106, 160, or separatelyto a clip or for being carried in a user's wallet. This assemblage ofwristbands and ID cards has been found to be especially useful forpediatric situations with a wristband for each parent, an ID card foreach parent, and two smaller wristbands for one or two babies orchildren.

FIG. 12 depicts a sheet sized form containing two wristbands 106 alongwith a plurality of self adhering labels 146 which is a slightlydifferent configuration than that shown in FIG. 10, but with the sameinventive wristbands being used. FIG. 13 depicts a sheet sized formsimilar to that shown in FIG. 12 except that an alternative wristband160 is used. While the inventor has found that these particulargroupings of products have met with acceptance and commercial successfor particular applications, other combinations of wristbands, ofdifferent construction, with or without labels or ID cards, may be founddesirable as a matter of design choice.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of the invention disclosed in the parentapplication. As shown therein, a wristband 200 has a strap portion 202and a tab 204 which contains a cinch slot 206 and a pair of full widthlabels 208. Each of the labels 208 and the adjacent area of the strapportion 202 are encoded with identifying indicia 210, shown aspreferably bar coding. An imprint area 212 is included on the strapportion 202 which may be imprinted with any desired identifier such asthe company or hospital name, or other message or the like. Theconstruction of this invention may be similar to that described above,with a multi-web arrangement as described for the embodiment of FIG. 1.The labels may be removed and applied to any other associated materials,depending on the use made of the wristband. In a medical setting, thelabels may be used for medical charts, medicines, eating utensils,clothing bags, or any other commonly known need. In other applications,other uses may be made, such as for personal items, tickets, receipts,charge identifiers such as for a credit card charge, etc., as limitedonly by the imagination of the user.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 has a generally slender strap portion202 which may be more comfortable for a person to wear about his wrist,and the cinch slot 206 may be slightly wider than the width of the strapportion 202 to facilitate its insertion as the wristband 200 is secured.A protective patch 214 of may conveniently cover a patch 216 of adhesiveat the tip of the strap portion 202 until it is desired to apply thewristband 200 to a person. After insertion through the cinch slot 206,the patch 214 may be removed and the strap portion 202 folded over andadhered onto itself to complete the application process. The strapportion 202 may be tightened about the person by pulling on it after ithas been inserted so as to achieve a tight banding of the wristbandabout the person's appendage. Alternately, the strap portion 202 neednot be tightened, and the wristband 200 left “loose” to provide a securebut perhaps more comfortable fit.

Label variations of the basic arrangement shown in FIG. 14 are depictedin FIGS. 15-17. These include a plurality (5) of labels 208 all arrangedin the same full width orientation as shown in FIG. 15, a single fullwidth label and two pairs of perpendicularly arranged labels as shown inFIG. 16, and a single pair of perpendicularly arranged labels as shownin FIG. 17. While these label arrangements are shown as anticipated tomost desirably meet the needs of intended users, it would be apparent tothose of skill in the art that other label arrangements could be usedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Depicted in FIG. 18 is an approximately page sized sheet containing aself laminating wristband 220, an extender 222 and a plurality of selfadhering labels 224. The various webs used in constructing this sheethave been explained above. The self laminating wristband 220 includes aface ply portion 226 preferably formed in the face stock layer, alamination layer portion 228 preferably formed in the lamination layer,a strap portion 230 also preferably formed in the lamination layer, andan attachment portion 232 preferably formed in the lamination layer. Asshown in FIG. 18, one slot 234 is formed in an extension part 236 of theattachment portion 232. A fold line 238 bisects the slot 234 as an aidin folding the slot 234 over to adhere the strap portion 230 as will beexplained. As shown, the fold line 238 may comprise an incomplete cut ateither side, through the central axis of the slot 234 and through thelamination layer. A layer of adhesive substantially surrounds slot 234so that as it is folded over it adheres to the strap portion insertedtherethrough. A second slot 240 may be formed in both of the face ply orstock portion 226 and in the underlying lamination layer. The face stockportion 226 has a tab 242 extending from the edge of the generallyrectangularly shaped print or image area and up to the edge of the slot234.

In use, the sheet may be first processed through a laser printer or thelike to apply information to the labels 224 and the wristband 220, suchas a patient's name, hospital admission number, or other information.The wristband may then be separated from the sheet and applied to apatient's wrist much as described above in connection with the otherembodiments of the parent invention except that the strap end isinserted through slot 234 and then the tab is folded over to adhere thestrap end in place. Adhesive need not be applied to the end of the strapas in other embodiments and instead the adhesive applied to the areasubstantially surrounding the tab slot secures the strap in place. It isnoted that the face stock tab 242 shields the strap end from contactinga surface with adhesive and that unlike other embodiments there is noadhesive on the strap end which moves past the patient's wrist as thewristband is applied. This helps to ensure that the wristband doesn'tbecome “fouled” as it is applied, making the wristband even more likelyto be applied successfully to difficult or uncooperative patients. Theextender 222 may be used as described with other embodiments to extendthe effective length of the wristband 220, and the extender similarlyneed not have adhesive applied to its end.

FIG. 19 depicts another arrangement of wristbands and labels similar tothat of FIG. 18 except that two wristbands are provided, of generallyshorter length, and with a different slot arrangement for one of thewristbands. The wristband 260 shown near the top of the sheet isdesigned the same as the wristband 220 as shown in FIG. 18. As explainedabove, this wristband 260 is conveniently applied about a patient'swrist. The second wristband 262 has a cinch slot 264, 266 on either sideof the face stock portion 268, and the strap end 270 has a patch ofadhesive 272. In use the second wristband may be applied in severaldifferent orientations. One such orientation is for the strap end to beinserted through both slots 264, 266, passing underneath the face stockportion 268. In this orientation the face stock portion has a tendencyto stay flatter after the wristband is applied and, with infants orsmall wrists or other tightly drawn wristbands, this flatter orientationaids in reading any bar coded information on the face stock. Anotherorientation is for the strap end to be inserted through the inboardcinch slot 264 so that the face stock portion 268 hangs freely from thewristband 260. Still another orientation is for the strap end to beinserted through the outboard cinch slot 266 which is very similar tothat as described above for other embodiments. In this orientation, thewristband is at maximum length with the face stock portion 268 formingpart of the wristband circle, and the strap end folded back onto itselffor attachment. These two wristbands form a unique combination forapplication to pediatric cases as the different wristband constructionsallow for wristbands to be applied to both arms and legs of infants, indifferent orientations, all with only one sheet being consumed.

The sheet depicted in FIG. 20 provides two wristbands 280 along with aplurality of self adhering labels 282. In this embodiment the twowristbands 280 are of the same design as the wristband 262 as shown inFIG. 19. This arrangement is particularly adapted for use with neo-natalintensive care unit infants, as the two wristbands may both be arrangedin either of two orientations, as explained above, which allows formaximum flexibility in applying two wristbands to either arms or legs ofinfants undergoing intensive care. In this situation, many differentkinds of conditions are encountered and this flexibility allows fortheir successful use with consumption of a single wristband form andlabel set.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show embodiments of a business form of the presentinvention featuring a wristband 300 with differently sized print area302. In both embodiments, a length 310 of the print area (comprised offace stock) is reduced to be substantially shorter than the overalllength which includes two lengths 312 of the straps 352. Morepreferably, the length of the print area is less than the combinedoverall length of the two straps 352. Most preferably, the length of theprint area is less than the length of either of the straps 352. It isnoted in this embodiment that the print area 302, after the wristband isseparated from the form and assembled, takes on the appearance of a“badge”. By “badge” is meant that the width of the print area 302, withor without the laminate overlay, is wider than the straps 352. It isfurther noted that in this construction, the two straps 252 comprise asingle ply or layer of laminate, thereby rendering them more pliable orflexible than multiple ply or layer straps.

A width 314 of the print area is preferably increased slightly overother embodiments to be wider than a width 316 of the straps so as toallow indicia to be printed transversely across the wristband. However,the print area width 314 is preferably, although not absolutely requiredto be, sized to maintain patient comfort and to generally retain aslender longitudinal profile for the wristband. The reduced length 310of the print area 302 allows the print area 302 to be more naturallyoriented on the top or bottom of a patient's wrist when the wristband300 is secured around a patient's wrist. This in turn reduces thecurvature of the print area 302, which in turn reduces the distortion ofindicia printed on the print area 302 and facilitates automated readingthereof such as with a bar code reader (not shown).

As with other embodiments of the wristbands disclosed in the parentapplications, the embodiments of the wristbands of FIGS. 21 and 22 alsocomprise two plies: a face ply 320 and a lamination ply 324. Preferably,the face ply has die cuts 328 defining the print area 302 for thewristband. The lamination ply preferably has die cuts 330 defining alaminating portion 336. Preferably, the laminating portion 336 isprovided with a fold line 338 to facilitate folding the laminatingportion over the face stock print area 302. Preferably, the laminatingportion 336 overlies both the top and bottom of the print area tothereby totally encapsulate it. The print area 302 may be adhered to thelamination ply 324 such that when the wristband is removed from theform, the print area is retained on the lamination ply. To maximize theseal of the laminated wristband, the laminating portion is preferablyprovided with a periphery of adhesive 340 (FIG. 23) that surrounds theprint area when the laminating portion is folded over the print area. Toincrease the visibility of information in the print area through thelaminating portion, a central area of the laminating portion within theadhesive periphery may be provided with a release coating 342 (FIG. 23)instead of adhesive. This adhesive pattern thus forms a “window frame”effect to surround the face stock for sealing while eliminating anyinterposed layer of adhesive which might at least partially obscure thereading of any printed or imaged information including especially a barcode.

The lamination ply also has die cuts 350 defining a pair of straps 352.The straps are formed with adhesive patches 354 (FIG. 23) on theirdistal ends. Preferably, when the wristband is removed from the form,the adhesive patches are covered with a protective layer that may beremoved when securing the wristband. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21,the straps are formed on the same side of the fold line and insubstantially the same horizontal plane with respect to the laminatingportion. Thus, the adhesive patches are aligned on the same side whenthe wristband is secured around the patient's appendage. In other words,one strap may be adhered with its adhesive patch to the other strap andthe adhesive patch on the other strap is simply folded over and adheredto its own strap to avoid any interference. As an alternative, the twostraps may also be formed adjacent the print area and yet still be insubstantially the same horizontal plane with respect to the laminatingportion.

FIG. 22 shows another embodiment of the present invention where thestraps are formed in an offset arrangement in the lamination ply. Inthis embodiment, one strap is formed adjacent the printable face stockarea and the other strap is formed in the lamination ply adjacent thelaminating portion, or in different horizontal planes with respect tothe laminating portion. Thus, after separation and when the laminatingportion is folded over the fold line to encapsulate the print area, theadhesive patches on the strap distal ends are aligned in a face to facearrangement when the wristband is wrapped around the patient's wrist. Byadhering the adhesive patches together, the tensile strength of thewristband is increased thereby making the attachment more secure.

Still another feature of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is theshape of the panels comprising the laminating portion 336, and the layerof adhesive as shown in FIG. 23. As shown, one panel is shapeddifferently than the other, and importantly, the adhesive layer isapplied to create the window frame effect with the generallyrectangularly shaped portions that comprise the extent of theoverlapping portions of the panels. In other words, in eitherembodiment, after the panels are overlapped, the adhesive joins thegenerally rectangularly shaped surround of the imaging area, leaving acurved, single layer shoulder transition area from the encapsulatedimaging area to the straps. With this construction, upon assembly, theimaging area comprises three thicknesses of material: one face stocklayer and two opposing and aligned laminating layers; transitioning totwo thicknesses of material: two laminating layers adhered to each otherand surrounding the imaging area in window frame fashion; transitioningto one thickness: the shaped, sloped shoulder portion of the panelswhich then flow into the narrower straps. After assembly and attachmentto a patient, this construction provides a stepped down transition, fromthree layers to one layer, which provides not only enhanced patientcomfort but also greater flexibility so as to enhance the “wearability”of the wristband. Further, by providing, in effect, a “hinge” comprisingthe shaped shoulder portion, less strain is imposed on the adhesivelyjoined window frame as the patient moves so as to provide a better seal.This transition minimizes the bending imposed on the window frame, tothe same effect. Even further, this construction creates a bend pointintermediate the imaging area and the strap, so that any bending forcesexerted on the wristband as it is worn first bend the shouldertransition to thereby at least partially insulate the imaging area frombending, thereby relieving stress on the imaging area and allowing it toremain flatter and more readily readable by a bar code or otherautomatic information reader seeking to read the imaging area.

In the wristband forms shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the business form ispreferably formed with a first portion 360 containing the wristband, anda second portion 370 separated from the first portion by a perforationline 375 that contains a plurality of self-adhering labels 380. Asstated previously, the self adhering labels 380 may be used to match apatient to his or her belongings, medications, medical testing orderforms or patient charts, etc. Preferably, the form is page-sized, suchas for example 8½×11 inches, in a conventional size for ready processingthrough a conventional laser printer as a single sheet. Preferably, thefirst portion 360 of the form is envelope-sized. More preferably, thefirst portion 360 of the form has a dimension which approximates anumber 10 sized envelope. This allows the first and second portions 360,370 of the form to be separated at the perforation line 375 and thefirst or wristband portion 360 of the form to be processed through astandard laser printer through the envelope feeder, if for instance, theself-adhering labels are not immediately needed.

FIG. 23 provides additional detail of the arrangement of adhesive 340and release coatings 342 applied to the laminating portion 336 and printarea 302 of the wristband of FIG. 22. FIG. 23 also shows the arrangementof a release coating 390 applied along a portion of the length of eachstrap 352. The release coating 390 on the strap allows the wristband tobe removed from the form with no face stock in the area between thelaminating portion 336 and the adhesive patches 354, thereby resultingin a single ply strap which enhances patient comfort with less wristbandmaterial curving around the patient's appendage.

FIGS. 24 and 26 show yet another embodiment of the invention comprisinga wristband 400 with a cinch slot 402, strap 403, and a plurality ofself-adhering labels 404. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, a bulge 410 isformed along an outboard longitudinal side of the print area 412, whichis mirrored in the laminating portions for covering and sealing theprint area 412 after separation and assembly of the wristband 400.Preferably, the bulge 410 is provided adjacent the cinch slot 402 and anattachment portion 416 of the wristband. The bulge 410 extends outwardlyand perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the print area 412 toform it into a bulged rectangular shape. A print area having a bulgedrectangular shape is defined as a generally “rectangularly shaped” areahaving an enlarged portion of sufficient size along its edge toaccommodate the printing of a ladder bar code of sufficient length as istypically required for a patient in a typical health care application.The bulge portion 410 of imaging area 412 allows information such as abar code to be printed in ladder fashion across the width of thewristband, as shown in FIG. 26. By printing information on the bulgeportion 410, it becomes aligned with the length of the patient's arminstead of across the narrower width of the patient's wrist, thusallowing it to lie flatter against the patient as the wristband is worn.Furthermore, by having this data arranged vertically, a nurse or otherhealth care professional need not turn the person's arm around as muchto access it. Also, the more extreme curvature of smaller wrists, suchas in many women and infants, does not cause the bulge portion to curvenearly as much as it would the length of the wristband. This facilitatesreading and scanning the information while minimizing the overall sizeof the print area.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 25 andcomprises a wristband form used for a patient's blood collection andblood product compatibility. The wristband 500 is similar in nature tothe wristbands disclosed in the parent applications but the formincludes a plurality of self-adhering labels specially pre-printed for apatient's blood collection and blood products compatibility. By way ofexample and not in any limiting sense, when a patient is first treatedby a healthcare provider, the wristband may be imprinted with a uniqueidentifying bar code 510. Many, if not all, of the self-adhering labelsmay be imprinted with the same bar code to facilitate tracking andadministering blood products. The form may be provided with a collectionspecimen label 512 to allow a patient's blood sample to be taken and thespecimen to be tracked, for instance, in the laboratory to determine thepatient's blood type and compatibility. Other labels 514 on the form maybe used by healthcare providers to order blood products for anidentified patient. The same form includes labels 516 that may be usedby blood bank personnel to label the ordered blood products so that theymay be easily matched to the identified patient. Other labels on theform may be used by the patient's health care providers to administerthe ordered blood products 518, match them to the patient 520, and trackunits of blood given an identified patient 522.

Yet another novel and non-obvious feature is shown in the form depictedin FIGS. 25, 25A, 26 and 26A. That comprises the security seal 525.Security seal 525 comprises a relatively small patch die cut into thelamination layer of any of the foregoing embodiments and which can beapplied over the sealing engagement of the strap, tabs, etc. as they arejoined to secure the wristband to the patient. This provides a “sealdown” over the attachment point of the wristband and another joinder aswell as a protective layer to further guard against tampering orunintentional dis-lodging of the original attachment. In addition,preferably one or more die cuts, such as shown as X's in FIGS. 25A and26A, may be formed to create points of weakness 527 in the security seal525 and which are intended to likely cause separation, tearing or someother change in the appearance of the security seal should it be removedafter application to serve as an indication that it has been tamperedwith by the patient. These points of weakness need not be X's, butinstead need only be sufficient to create points of weakness thatseparate or otherwise exhibit tampering through at least partial removalthereof. To enhance the viewability of any tampering, the points ofweakness may be surrounded by colored areas 529 to provide contrast fromthe generally colorless or transparent laminate layer from which thesecurity seal patch is formed. These colored areas may be formed intoregular polygonal shapes, such as the hexagon shapes shown, or otherwisebe “regular” such that if a patient attempts to remove and re-apply thesecurity seal he must further attempt to align these colored areas tocover up his tampering effort. This is difficult if not impossible to doeven if extreme care is taken. Although preferably, as shown in thepreferred embodiment, these colored areas surround the points ofweakness, they may instead be placed to overlap, partially orcompletely, the points of weakness or otherwise be positioned withrespect thereto.

The inventions have been disclosed herein in several embodiments withseveral alternatives to the construction of the wristband, as well asother inventive features and accessories. It will be appreciated bythose of ordinary skill in the art that various alternatives notspecifically mentioned are well within the scope of the theseinventions. Some of these alternatives include the choice of specificmaterials for each layer of face stock or laminate, the particularadhesive used, and other details of construction for the page sizedsheet in which the wristband is formed. The particular length or shapeof the strap may be varied to adapt to the particular application, thelocation of the patch of adhesive at the end of the strap may be changedor eliminated, the point at which the strap extends from the laminatingportion, and other arrangement details may also be considered as part ofthe invention. While it is considered as desirable by the inventor tonot laminate the strap portion, there is no reason why it need not belaminated should the additional strength such an arrangement wouldprovide be desired. Face stock shape or size may be changed, and the tabmay be separated from the imaging area, or located in a differentposition in the imaging area, and yet achieve a similar effect. Thepreferred embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be exemplary andnot limiting as to the subject matter of the invention. Other similar,or different, changes will be contemplated and those changes are to beconsidered as part of this invention which should be limited only by thescope of the claims as appended hereto, and their legal equivalents.

1. A business form including a separable wristband comprising alamination ply and a face stock ply, the face stock ply having die cutsdefining a print area, the lamination ply having die cuts defining thewristband with first and second straps and a laminating portion, thelaminating portion being larger than the face stock print area andhaving a layer of adhesive such that after separation of the wristbandfrom the form the laminating portion may be folded over the face stockprint area and adhered to substantially encapsulate it, the print areahaving a length substantially less than the overall length of thewristband and a width greater than a width of each strap portion, eachstrap portion having a patch of adhesive at a distal end adapted forsecuring the wristband around a person's appendage.
 2. The form of claim1 wherein the face stock print area is retained in the laminatingportion when the laminating portion is separated from the form, andwherein the straps are positioned substantially in the same horizontalplane with respect to the laminating portion.
 3. The form of claim 1wherein the face stock print area is retained in the laminating portionwhen the laminating portion is separated from the form, and wherein thestraps are positioned substantially in different horizontal planes withrespect to the laminating portion.
 4. The form of claim 1 furthercomprising a periphery of adhesive on the laminating portion so that asthe laminating portion is folded over the print area, the periphery ofadhesive substantially surrounds the print area and encapsulates it. 5.The form of claim 1 further comprising a fold line formed through thelamination ply for folding the laminating portion over the print area.6. The form of claim 1 wherein the form is approximately page sized, andfurther comprising a plurality of self adhering labels applied thereto.7. The form of claim 6 further comprising a perforation line separatingthe form into first and second parts, the first part containing thewristband and the second part containing the plurality of self adheringlabels.
 8. The form of claim 7 wherein the first part has dimensionssufficiently sized to be processed through a computer printer envelopefeeder.
 9. The form of claim 1 further comprising a release coatingalong a length of each strap between the adhesive patch and thelaminating portion.
 10. The form of claim 1 wherein the laminatingportion includes a first panel to which the print area is adhered and asecond panel for folding over and encapsulating the print area, whereinthe second panel has a different shape than the first panel.
 11. Theform of claim 10 wherein one of said panels comprises a largercross-sectional area than the other of said panels
 12. The form of claim10 wherein each of said straps is adjacent one of said panels andfurther comprising a sloped transition between each of said straps andits associated panel.
 13. The form of claim 12 wherein said slopedtransitions are devoid of adhesive encapsulating the print area.
 14. Abusiness form including a separable wristband comprising a laminationply and a face stock ply, the face stock ply having die cuts defining aprint area, the lamination ply having die cuts defining the wristbandwith first and second straps and a laminating portion, the laminatingportion being larger than the face stock print area and having a layerof adhesive such that after separation of the wristband from the formthe laminating portion may be folded over the face stock print area andadhered to substantially encapsulate it, the print area comprising abadge.
 15. The business form of claim 14 wherein the laminating portionfurther comprises a sloped transition between it and each strap.
 16. Thebusiness form of claim 15 wherein said sloped transitions aresubstantially devoid of said layer of adhesive.
 17. The business form ofclaim 16 wherein the laminating portion further comprises a pair ofpanels, said panels being aligned and sized so that as they are foldedover, they are adhered by said layer of adhesive substantially withoutoverlapping the sloped transitions.
 18. A business form comprising aseparable self-laminating wristband, the wristband having a face stockprint area and a lamination ply, the lamination ply including alaminating portion for substantially surrounding the face stock printarea, a strap and cinch attachment formed in the lamination ply forattaching the wristband to a patient's wrist, the face stock print areahaving a bulged rectangular shape.
 19. The form of claim 18 wherein thebulged rectangular shape includes a bulge at an end of the print area.20. The form of claim 18 wherein the form is approximately page sized,and further comprising a plurality of self adhering labels appliedthereto.
 21. The form of claim 18 further comprising a perforation lineseparating the form into first and second parts, the first partcontaining the wristband and the second part containing a plurality ofself adhering labels.
 22. The form of claim 21 wherein the first parthas dimensions sufficiently sized to be processed through a computerprinter envelope feeder.
 23. A business form comprising a wristbandhaving a printable face ply, and a lamination portion for encapsulatingthe printable face ply, the lamination portion comprising a singlelamination ply, the single lamination ply including a strap with a freeend extending from the face ply, the single lamination ply including acinch through which the free end is inserted for securing the wristbandabout a person's appendage, and the form comprising a plurality of selfadhering labels imprinted with indicia corresponding to a patient'sblood collection and blood product compatibility.
 24. The form of claim23 wherein a portion of the labels include information corresponding totracking a number of units of blood given the patient.
 25. A businessform including a security seal for securing the attachment of awristband, said wristband having at least one strap portion with atleast one area of adhesive for securing the wristband about a wearer'sappendage, the security seal comprising a patch of laminate having alayer of adhesive and at least one point of weakness formed in the patchso that after said security seal is applied and the security seal isremoved the point of weakness likely separates to indicate that it hasbeen removed.
 26. The business form of claim 25 further comprising atleast one colored area positioned with respect to the point of weaknesssuch that upon said point of weakness separating the colored arearequires re-alignment to return the security seal to its initialconfiguration.